‘BENCH’MARK
Meet the man who’s donated the highest number of benches to Mumbai
The next time you stop for a break and sit down on a public bench, take a look at the name on it. Chances are that it has been installed by Mahavirprasad G Saraf, who has the distinction of entering the Limca Book of Records for having donated the highest number of benches in Mumbai. A committed philanthropist, Saraf undertakes various charity projects through his trusts — the Ghanshyamdas Saraf Trust and the Kirandevi Saraf Trust. He has also set up the Saraf Matru Mandir, which comprises a dharamshala, community halls, public restrooms, yoga centres, rooms for senior citizens, drinking water stations and much more.
Saraf believes that education is vital for the overall progress of the community. He has established the Ghanshyamdas Saraf College, Durgadevi Saraf Junior College, Kirandevi Saraf Institute for Complete Learning and Durgadevi Saraf Institute of Management Studies to generate competent, skilled managers to meet challenges in a fast-evolving global scenario.
In the field of healthcare, he has set up an OPD and Maternity Ward at Nanavati Hospital, a Burns Ward at VN Desai Hospital and an Eye Ward at Rani Sati Hospital. He has also donated ambulances, sponsored sewing machines and classes, organised talent workshops for women’s welfare and supported orphanages and hostels. To help street and poor children, he has set up Balmandir, Balwadis, mobile crèches and summer camps. The handicapped and visually impaired are given PCO’s, tricycles, wheelchairs, walkers and Braille watches.
“Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people. It is my goal and an essential part of my life,” says Saraf, who has been doing philanthropy for over five decades. He has also been awarded with a Fellowship by the President of India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan for his committed philanthropy.
Saraf inaugurating a public water drinking station
Mahavirprasad G Saraf
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